My Elementary Crush

1st Grade

Screeching of wheels, beeping sounds, busy and noisy streets, changing color of traffic lights...The city atmosphere never failed to make me feel uncomfortable about my new life. Life at the province was much easier than living in an urban area.

The fresh air was replaced by the black smoke from the burning houses; quiet areas were replaced with explosion sounds and gunshots. It was then that my parents realized that they have to transfer me and my sister to a safer place...

That's why; here I am at my new school...

"Excuse me, Ma'am. Do you know where's the room of Class 1-A?" my aunt asked a lady.

"Oh, it's the last room right there." the lady pointed to a room that was just across us. My aunt thanked the lady and we went on our way.

"Good morning Ma'am! Are you the adviser of this class?"

"Yes, ma'am. Is she your daughter?"

"She's my niece...Her name's Kei."

"Hi Kei! I'm your Teacher Heidi! ^____^ “she lowered down and greeted me with a smile.

"H-hello..." I looked down and bit my lips. My aunt and Teacher Heidi chuckled and I felt embarrassed that it made me clenched my fists and blushed so hard.

"What a shy child..." Teacher Heidi patted my head. "Come inside and take your seat..." she added as she held my shoulders and led me to my seat.

"Bye, Kei! Be a good girl, ok?" aunt waved me goodbye and I just nodded as a response.

I lifted my head and saw new, different faces of people. All of them seemed to be very familiar with each other. They were all chatting and laughing. Suddenly, I felt alone.

****

"Next..."

"Hey, hey" my seatmate nudged her elbow at me. "It's your turn to introduce yourself..."

"O-oh..." I stood up then walked to the front. "I'm Kei Tanaka, Nice to meet you..." I bowed my head."Umm...I'm from Cavalier Academy in XXXX Province..." I continued then went back to my seat.

"I see, so she doesn't talk much, ne?" I heard the boy at my back talked.

"I guess? Why don't you speak to her and see for yourself?" his seatmate responded.

****

We were asked by our teacher to write something about ourselves. While writing, I felt someone poking my back. I turned my head and saw my boy classmate smiling at me.

"Do you have an extra pencil?" he asked and I nodded in response. "May I borrow it?" I immediately got my extra pencil and gave it to him...He thanked me and I just bowed my head and continued writing.

"Ben Aoki...call me Ben...” he said suddenly that made me looked back at him. He just smiled at me.

****

A couple of weeks had passed and I was still not acquainted with everyone...Well, I had a friend though.

"I love you..." someone whispered to my ear. I turned my head and saw Ben.

"What are you saying?" I gave him a confused look.

"I love you." he smiled.

"Stop it." I said but he kept on whispering. I didn't know why but I silently cried.

"Hey, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" he asked me with a worried face.

"It's because...you said that...you love me..." I said in between sobs. After that, he didn't budge me anymore...